Existential Constructions Worksheet
A Grade 10 ELA worksheet focusing on identifying, understanding, and correctly using existential constructions ('there is,' 'there are') in sentences.
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Existential Constructions: There Is, There Are
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This worksheet will help you understand and correctly use existential constructions ('there is,' 'there are'). Read each section carefully and answer all questions.
Understanding Existential Constructions
Existential constructions are sentences that typically begin with 'there' followed by a form of the verb 'to be' (is, are, was, were, etc.) and then the noun or noun phrase that is the actual subject of the sentence. They are used to express the existence or presence of something.
Examples:
- There is a book on the table. (The subject is 'a book'.) - There are many students in the classroom. (The subject is 'many students'.) - There was a problem with the experiment. (The subject is 'a problem'.)
The verb 'to be' in an existential construction must agree in number with the actual subject that follows it, not with 'there'.
1. Which sentence correctly uses an existential construction?
A cat is on the roof.
On the roof is a cat.
There is a cat on the roof.
A cat, there is, on the roof.
2. Choose the sentence with the correct verb agreement in an existential construction:
There is two reasons for the delay.
There are a lot of traffic.
There were several mistakes in the report.
There was many options to consider.
Complete the following sentences using 'there is' or 'there are' and ensure verb agreement.
1. only one way to solve this complex equation.
2. In the ancient ruins, many artifacts waiting to be discovered.
3. no doubt about her talent and dedication.
4. On the shelf, a collection of rare stamps.
1. Rewrite the following sentence using an existential construction: 'A significant challenge faces the scientific community.'
2. Explain why the following sentence is grammatically incorrect: 'There was several important points raised during the debate.' Then, correct it.
Indicate whether each statement about existential constructions is true or false.
1. In an existential construction, 'there' acts as the true subject of the sentence.
True
False
2. The verb in an existential construction must agree in number with the actual noun phrase that follows it.
True
False
Write a short paragraph (5-7 sentences) describing a day in your ideal future. Ensure you use at least three different existential constructions ('there is,' 'there are,' 'there was,' 'there were') correctly within your paragraph.